Crystal Meth Outbreak

America’s home grown drug epidemic, Crystal Meth! More than a million Americans used methamphetamine (Crystal Meth) in one year. This is more than used crack and almost three times as many as used heroine in 1999.

The use of crystal meth in Michigan has been increasing exponentially. The need for physicians to become aware of this epidemic is multifold. Crystal meth is easily manufactured and distributed, causes short term euphoria, is highly addictive and relatively inexpensive. Not only is this drug affecting adults, but children are often the innocent victims.

The history behind crystal meth is brief but clearly elucidates its harmful addictive potential. Methamphetamine manufacturing initially began in Hawaii in the 1960s. Common household chemicals and everyday household components can be used to readily manufacture crystal meth. Recipes can be obtained on websites and until recently, Sudafed could be purchased in large quantities without any question. Eighty dollars spent at the pharmacy and hardware store can buy ingredients to make one ounce of crystal meth worth up to $1,000.

Clandestine labs are often run in rural places because noxious smells can dissipate unnoticed. For every pound of meth produced, five to six pounds of toxic waste is produced. This waste is often disposed of in the yard or surrounding area.

The toxic waste and fumes produced can seep into ground water as well as run off into fields. Children living and playing around a home where meth manufacturing has occurred can sustain serious illnesses related to chemical toxicity. The chemicals used to manufacture crystal meth permeate into the water, ground, carpeting, walls in the home and the air. Once a home has been exposed, it must be condemned. The clean up cost can be tremendous.

Not only are the chemicals harmful to the children but the dependency this chemical causes. Many families are devastated by the use of this drug. Children lose their parents and their home to the grip of this drug.

The drug methamphetamine can be ingested, inhaled, injected or smoked. The typical high lasts for 12 hours to days. Side effects include irritability, nervousness, insomnia, nausea, depression and brain damage. The drug can also cause paranoia and extreme sexual urges. The bending affects of meth is very high thus leading to its highly additive nature.

What is being done to combat this epidemic? Current legislation has been introduced to monitor and limit the sale of Sudafed in pharmacies. Many pharmacies have already implemented behind the counter sales of Sudafed as well as a sign out sheet in order to purchase the drug.

This list of interventions has been growing in response to the epidemic of crystal meth. Barry-Eaton County recently experienced a 100% increase in crystal meth related cases during the past twelve months. In response to this, a local task force was formed to help combat the problem. A mapping system was designed to identify the extent of crystal meth’s destruction. The mapping will post locations where offenders live, manufacture, use and distribute; where children are taken into custody secondary to meth arrests; and, where fire and police calls related to meth use were taken. Hopefully, by tracking this information, plans can be made to disrupt the spread of meth.

A collaborative effort is necessary to overcome the depth of penetration crystal meth has already made into our society. Through physician involvement, we can help educate as well as prevent the spread of crystal meth.